15 Best Things to Do in Rocklin (CA)

Rocklin is a city of about 63,000 people situated in Placer County in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains.

The city is actually a suburb of Sacramento, which is only 22 miles away. It’s known for its central location with easy access to outdoor recreational areas and nearby towns, including Roseville. It’s also known for its panoramic mountain views and year-round pleasant weather.

Rocklin is home to many restaurants, cafes, cultural attractions, parks and shopping areas, including Rocklin Commons and Rocklin Crossings. The nearby outdoor recreational areas of Miner’s Ravine and Canyon Creek are where you can find many hiking and biking trails.

A number of festivals and events take place in Rocklin throughout the year, including Rocklin Community Festival and Rocklin Brewfest.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Rocklin, California.

1. Learn About Local History at the Rocklin Historical Society & Museum

The main goal of the Rocklin Historical Society is to collect and preserve the area’s history and culture so it can be enjoyed for generations to come. Much of that history is on display at the museum, including exhibits about J. Parker Whitney and his sprawling Spring Valley Ranch.

You’ll learn about the Central Pacific Rocklin Roundhouse and the period when the city was known as the Granite Capital of the West.

Also on display are many artefacts and photos depicting the history of the city since the mid-1800s. From time to time, the society hosts tours of the museum and other historic sites in the city.

2. Play a Round of Golf at the Whitney Oaks Golf Club

Whitney Greens Golf Club is a beautiful, expertly-maintained golf course in Rocklin where you’ll be able to admire the stunning scenery and even see a variety of wildlife while you enjoy a fun and challenging round of golf.

This 18-hole, par-71 course features a diverse landscape with large granite outcroppings, bunkers and bent grass greens to ensure that you are kept on your toes.

If you like to practice before your game, there’s a driving range, a pitching area, and chipping and putting greens on-site. There’s also a pro shop, and lessons are available.

The Pyramid Bar & Grill is a laid-back eatery where you can enjoy a wide range of fresh gourmet dishes, cocktails and craft beer while surrounded by views of the nearby hillside.

3. Head to Quarry Park

Whether you are seeking a relaxing afternoon in a serene green space or searching for adventure, Quarry Park has it all. This park serves as a community meeting place where many events, such as concerts, are held throughout the year, but it also serves as an escape from the urban surroundings.

There’s an adventure park featuring a variety of facilities for rock climbing, ziplining, and other activities. A series of hiking and biking trails are situated in the park, and picnic areas are also available.

4. Grab a Bite to Eat at Wally’s Cafe

At Wally’s Cafe in Rocklin, both Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine are served.

This cosy eatery offers many delicious and carefully-prepared options, including a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, kabobs, burgers, burritos, and salads.

5. Admire Local Art at the Michael Doyle Smith Art Gallery

Michael Doyle Smith employs unique techniques in his art, so you’ll see pieces like none you’ve seen before.

He’s mastered the basics, but his art is anything but, and every work has a story. His modern, eye-catching art is abstract and beautiful, and you can see it at his gallery in Rocklin.

6. Go on an Adventure Along the Miner’s Ravine Bike and Walking Trail

Once a hotspot for gold mining activities after the infamous Gold Rush of 1849, the Miner’s Ravine Bike and Walking Trail is now a popular route in nearby Roseville.

This 8.4-mile return trail on the edge of the Sierra Nevada is suitable for both hikers and bikers; the area is known for its intriguing history, natural surroundings, and abundance of wildlife.

As you travel along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of mammal species, reptiles and birds, including many that migrate through the area.

7. Sample Local Craft Beer at Out of Bounds Brewing Company

Out of Bounds Brewing Company is known for its handcrafted, prize-winning, innovative brews which can be sampled in the on-site tasting room.

At any given time, there are 12 options available on tap. Some of the beers you may be able to try include Cowbell Blonde, Blurred Vision, Joyrider West Coast, and Heavy Metal Hippie.

Guided tours are available on certain days of the week, and a wide variety of events take place throughout the year. You can also expect to see food trucks offering an array of dining options on certain days of the week.

8. Play an Exciting Game of Laser Tag at Xtreme Craze

At Xtreme Craze, you and your group can spend an afternoon chasing one another around a large, multi-floor arena.

Your exciting game of laser tag at this family entertainment centre is an adrenaline-pumping experience of hiding, finding, and tagging, with the help of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including a real-time scoring system.

Also on-site are an arcade and the CrazyZone, which features large inflatable slides, mazes, and other amusements for every age. When hunger strikes, you’ll find an array of popular food and beverage options, and there are large-screen TVs to watch while you dine.

9. Learn About Maidu History and Culture at the Maidu Museum & Historic Site

Situated in nearby Roseville and listed on the National Register of Historic Place, the Maidu Museum and Historic Site serves the purpose of collecting and preserving items related to the culture of the Maidu peoples to educate visitors about their history.

The museum lies on an ancient site that was home to Maidu families for thousands of years. Here, you can walk along a trail and see some of the rock art that has survived over the years.

As you make your way through the museum, you’ll see a number of exhibits showcasing many artefacts, including traditional handmade baskets and multi-media productions.

Throughout the year, a range of educational programs and events take place. There’s a gift shop on-site where you can purchase a variety of items, including arrowheads and locally handcrafted jewellery.

10. Sharpen your Escape Skills at Beat the Room

If you’ve ever wondered what all the hype is around escape rooms, you can find out at Beat the Room.

This fun, family-friendly adventure involves you and your group being locked in a room; you have to escape this room within a set amount of time. The only way to get out is to solve puzzles and find clues that will help you get closer to escaping.

At Beat the Room, you’ll be able to choose from several rooms with themes such as Scotland Yard, shipwrecks and pirates, and a secret society.

11. Eat and Make Some Art at The Art Bistro

If you’re looking for a relaxing and creative activity to do in Rocklin, The Art Bistro is the place to be. This combination bistro and art studio provides visitors with the opportunity to create their own artworks over snacks and beverages.

When it comes to the art you decide to make, you can choose to paint, make ceramics or work with wood glass or pottery. You can also participate in a lesson if you are new to art.

The bistro serves many casual options, including sandwiches, salads and pizza. Craft beer and wine are also served. At the end of your session, you can take your work of art home with you.

12. Browse the PlacerGrown Farmers’ Market

Weston Farmers' Market — Weston Farmers’ Market

The PlacerGrown Farmers’ market moves around from place to place, but it’s always occurring somewhere in Placer County, including the nearby towns of Roseville and Auburn.

At this market, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh, local fruits and vegetables. As you browse the vendors, you’ll also find many other items, including homemade baked goods, olive oil, tea, jam, and local crafts.

13. Dine on Delicious Italian Cuisine at Via Roma Pizzeria con Cucina

Since 2006, Via Roma Pizzeria con Cucina has been serving delicious meals made with the highest-quality-freshest ingredients available.

When you dine at this eatery, you dine in a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of items, including salads, soups, home-style pizzas, and pasta dishes. A range of wines are also available from the extensive wine list.

14. Enjoy Mini-golf and Waterslides at Roseville Golfland Sunsplash

Golfland and Sunsplash is pretty much how it sounds: it’s a family-friendly amusement centre with two different parks in one.

Golfland is home to three mini-golf courses, an arcade, a go-cart track, and bumper boats. Sunsplash has 29 water attractions, including water slides. Cabanas are available to rent. Both parks have a variety of options when it comes to snacks and meals.

15. Visit the Roseville Telephone Museum

The Roseville Telephone Museum was established in the late 80s with the goal of collecting, preserving and showcasing items related to the history of the communications industry and how it evolved into what it is today.

Inside the museum, you’ll see one of the largest collections of antique telephones and related technology in the United States. These artefacts are from all over the country and the world.